Parry has told fans of the 72 clubs outside the Premier League that with the Covid-19 situation as it is there is no way they can expect to be watching match action in the near future.

And he admits he cannot tell them when will ever be able to enter a stadium to support their team again.

On the EFL’s 135th birthday he wrote and open letter to fans and said: “To give you an honest assessment of the current situation; the point at which you will be able to attend games again remains unclear.

“Please be assured, however, that we are going to welcome you back to stadiums as soon as it is safe to do so.

“Your contribution to the matchday experience and atmospheres created in stadia up and down the country is something we should never take for granted.

“Unfortunately, I cannot tell you today when football will resume, though whenever we do return, matches are likely to be played without crowds.”

4

Parry added: “And whilst we are unfortunately without the presence of the hundreds of thousands of supporters who pass through EFL turnstiles each week, we will endeavour to bring live football direct into your homes once it returns.

“Plans are continuing to be worked up for all games to be broadcast either via our broadcast partners, iFollow or equivalent Club streaming services. We will update you on this once we know when matches will recommence.

“The contribution to football’s finances made by match-going supporters should not be underestimated. It is critical to the business model of league football.

“Perhaps the biggest challenge right now is not knowing when we will be able to reintroduce football in front of crowds.

“We can only hope that the situation develops in such a way that we will be able to do with the shortest possible break.

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“With or without spectators, delivering a successful conclusion to the 2019/20 season remains our goal to ensure the integrity of our competitions.

“This, of course, means that a number of factors – including when, where and within what time frame fixtures will be played – must be given careful consideration in line with Government advice.

“Similar factors must also be taken into account when agreeing an approach towards player training and testing, not least the appropriate level of medical resource and creation of an effective and efficient medical matchday protocol.”

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